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Independent retailers urge Chancellor - Boost business confidence or risk killing growth before it starts

7 Nov 2025

Britain's independent retailers, including those in the cycling retail sector, are calling on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to use the autumn budget to restore... Read more…

Independent retailers report worsening retail crime crisis as confidence in police response

17 Oct 2025

A shocking 83% of independent retailers say theft has worsened over the past year, whilst the vast majority of crimes now go unreported due to lack of police response, according to ACT parent... Read more…

ACT member gains coverage in local media thanks to focus on maintaining independent cycling retail presence

14 Oct 2025

ACT member Cyclo Monster has been recognised by local media for its commitment to keeping Derby’s cycling scene independent, community-focused and thriving.
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Experts share how to make your bike last longer – and why regular care pays off

10 Oct 2025

Cycling experts have shared their top tips in a new Guardian feature revealing how simple maintenance habits can extend the life of a bike and save riders from costly repairs.
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ACT parent company Bira welcomes £5bn Pride in Place programme

29 Sep 2025

Bira has welcomed the Government's announcement of a £5 billion Pride in Place programme, saying it will provide the kind of support high street businesses need to thrive.
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Scottish bike shop to celebrate 20-year anniversary with prize draw and instore event

24 Sep 2025

An independent Scottish cycling retailer is celebrating 20 years in business this month with a prize draw and ‘celebratory cupcakes’ during an event at the shop.
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Cycling Scotland emphasises difference between legal and illegal e-bikes and praises work of E-Bike Positive campaign

18 Sep 2025

Cycling Scotland has highlighted the crucial distinction between legal and illegal e-bikes, warning that confusion risks undermining public trust in a technology that is helping thousands switch... Read more…

Barber shop proves it's a cut above the rest picking up coveted British retailers award

2 Sep 2025

A barber's shop in Northern Ireland has proved that it's a cut above the rest by picking up the inaugural Love Your High Street Award 2025, following a public vote that attracted over 2,230... Read more…

Independent retailers face Fresh challenges as UK inflation climbs to 3.8%

20 Aug 2025

ACT parent company Bira has expressed serious concern following today's announcement that UK inflation rose to 3.8% in July, higher than the expected 3.7% and marking the tenth consecutive month... Read more…

Bike industry continues to face challenges as profits and forecasts falter at Giant, Canyon and Shim

14 Aug 2025

The global bike industry remains under pressure as Shimano, Giant and Canyon all report weaker profits and subdued outlooks for 2025.
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Upskill your team with Microsoft online courses through Activate Learning

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News

ACT’s Cytech delivery partner Activate Learning, of which Activate Cycle Academy is a part, is offering FREE online Microsoft accredited online courses for employers to enable their staff to upskill in a particular digital topic.

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Activate Learning has been successful in securing funding from the Department for Education to deliver these courses free for local businesses in Berkshire, North Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey, although employees taking part do not need to be based in these areas. There are no limits to the number of courses or the number of employees that can sign up and they're available until the end of March 2023.

The courses are studied remotely by your employee through the Microsoft Learn portal and take on average 30 hours to complete. All learners are supported by a Digital Coach throughout.

There are six Microsoft Accreditation courses available free of charge, each tailored to meet the needs of local employers. They are:

AI FUNDAMENTALS - Concepts related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how Microsoft Azure can create solutions.

CLOUD COMPUTING FUNDAMENTALS - Cloud computing is the delivery of services to offer faster, innovative and flexible resources.

CLOUD SECURITY FUNDAMENTALS - The fundamentals of security, compliance, and identity (SCI) across cloud-based services.

DATA FUNDAMENTALS - Identify and describe core data concepts and implement with Microsoft Azure.

DYNAMICS 365 FUNDAMENTALS - Develop effective systems to manage customer interaction.

POWER PLATFORM FUNDAMENTALS - Create simple Power Apps, connect data, and build a chatbot.

For more information, click here.

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